Introduce Yourself

Thank you Timothy. Thank you Elle.

Thrilled to have you here Dewey! What are the festivals you run? Also, thoughts about the recent announcements of the Mexico incentives? We do a lot of work with CANACINE with our Stage 32 Certification program for training in Mexico. Perhsps there’s something we can do with your festivals as well!

Thank you Amanda. Yes, I'm excited about the support and encouragement the Mexican government is displaying regarding our industry. It is refreshing news. I direct the Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival, currently in our 3rd season, north of Tulum and south of Playa del Carmen and also Roswell Shorts, in its' second season, in Roswell, New Mexico I'll have a look at CANACINE and the Certification Program – looking forward to learning about them.Thanks again for the suggestions!

I've almost never regretted falling down a rabbit hole, especially where screenwriting was concerned. Welcome Dewey!

Glad to hear we were at the bottom of that rabbit hole, Dewey Moffitt! Hoping you're feeling the love and support that this ridiculously incredible community brings in a day in, day out basis. I'm especially appreciative to Timothy Miller for sharing his experiences here and setting the vibe.

As Amanda mentioned, we have our hands in many global movements. The opportunities are endless and only continue to grow. So happy to have you in the mix. Cheers.

NICE

great work!

Usually, I don’t do this but @Ayomide Okeowo - my team and I will never work with you again. We paid you the amount you requested, and did not receive the storyboards on time, you missed several deadlines and also asked my producer for more money. Finally when you delivered the SBs they were super low-res and not the style you originally showed us. I was not happy with the output but I had something and maybe I could personally work on it to make it a bit more presentable.. Also, the SBs were super low quality. You gave an excuse that you cannot send the hi-res, because it's a weekend. Sorry man! in this economy as a creative professional, my team and myself work pretty flexible hours. Anyway, anyone who is looking for a Storyboard artist, I WILL NOT RECOMMEND @Ayomide Okeowo UNPROFESSIONAL & SBs are not good..

Ayomide Okeowo extremely disappointed in this storyboards delivery. When we submitted the project, the ETA was within a week and now it's been 2.5 weeks since Nov 17 and the boards haven't been delivered properly. It took 2 weeks to get a decent sample, several deadlines were missed, and the final delivery is extremely low-res - we cannot even see the drawings. When asked to redeliver each image individually, we got a response that it's the weekend and nothing will happen before Monday. This is NOT how modern society works especially, after all the delays and missed deadlines. I wouldn't post this negative review were the situation not this dire. I would NOT recommend anyone working with Ayomide Okeowo.

Olga Gabris Unni Rav I’m truly sorry for how this project unfolded and for the frustration it caused. I didn’t meet the original timeline, and I understand how disappointing that is.

The low resolution files that were initially delivered were not the final output, and the high resolution boards were sent afterward. That said, I acknowledge that the timing and communication around this were not handled well on my part.

I take full responsibility for the delays and for not setting clearer expectations earlier in the process. I appreciate the feedback and I’m already adjusting my workflow to make sure timelines, revisions, and final delivery formats are clearly aligned from the start.

To anyone considering working with me: I value clear communication and professionalism, and I’m committed to learning from this experience and delivering better going forward.

Alan Brewer, the work you do is incredible, and thank you for all the thoughtful answers you’ve shared here. I’m already learning a lot just from this thread alone! It’s invaluable to have someone with your background taking the time to explain the realities of supervision and licensing. Looking forward to learning even more from you, and truly appreciate you sharing your experience with the community.

Love this, Alan. What a perspective to share with the community! You've seen firsthand how music clearance issues can derail post-production timelines and budgets when filmmakers wait until the last minute.

We have a lot of producers and filmmakers in the community who could benefit from that expertise, especially independent producers working on tighter budgets who may not realize how complicated music licensing can get. The "both sides of the table" experience is exactly what helps navigate those negotiations efficiently.

Good to have that expertise in the community.

Geoffroy

Thanks Geoffroy! Unfortunately, the majority of indie filmmakers don't figure out that they should have hired a music supervisor until they are in crisis on their project. Somehow, many see the need for professional expertise in every other area of filmmaking, but not with respect to music and music rights. And... there are so many common misconceptions about what needs to be done to legally use music in visual media that indie filmmakers often get themselves in trouble.

Thanks Alan Brewer . Trying to not monopolize your time and take advantage but one final question, are cover songs of popular songs cheaper alternatives or actually potentially more expensive?

Hi, Darrell. Good question. Yes, cover versions of well known songs can be a way of reducing the cost. It won't necessarily alter the fee to the publisher, but may save a significant amount on the recording side. The owner of a cover recording usually is not in a position to demand MFN (most favored nations) status, requiring equal payment with the publishing side, which is almost always required by name artists. There are certain other considerations, however, that are too lengthy go into here.

Hi, Tania Cárdenas Paulsen. Hope you're doing great! I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know that I moved your post from the Screenwriting Lounge to the Introduce Yourself Lounge since you're introducing yourself and the ways to connect with other members in the discipline Lounges (Screenwriting Lounge, Filmmaking/Directing Lounge, Producing Lounge, etc.) are making helpful/educational posts and commenting on other people’s posts. Let me know if you have any questions.

I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. Stage 32 is an English platform. Do you mind translating your post and profile bio to English?

You can edit your post by clicking the downward arrow to the right of your name and selecting "Edit Post."

You can edit your bio by clicking the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner of Stage 32, then selecting “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu, then clicking the red button underneath your location and choosing "Edit Profile."

Excelente idea, Tania! De hecho, comparto la vision de crear un espacio para hispanohablantes, es un grupo ya grande en la plataforma. También estamos con alianzas para la certificación, en Mexico, España, Costa Rica y varios países mas. Pongámonos en contacto para explorar oportunidades!

Hi, Ernest Wedgwood. I hope you're doing great! What are you working on/pitching?

Louies Speakeasy Louie claws his way out of the docks and into the glow of his own speakeasy, rising from rags to riches on grit, charm, and impossible odds.

i will share credit with you if you can help me upgrading. Sandra Bullock or an impostor offered me 2.5mill for it. i have words and contact from her u can show you that is if she is real

Louies Speakeasy sounds interesting, Ernest Wedgwood. You could post your script on your profile. Producers search profiles for projects. That and networking are how I sold four short scripts to a producer. Click the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and select “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu. Scroll down to “Loglines” and click “Add/edit loglines” to the right of “Loglines.” You can also post your script on your profile this way: www.stage32.com/loglines (near the top where it says “Add a Logline”)

And something I do to pitch my scripts is post pages in Stage 32's Your Stage Lounge (www.stage32.com/lounge/promotion), on Twitter/X, and on Instagram, like First Page Friday, Third Page Thursday, and Sneak Peek Sunday. I've gotten interest and script requests this way. I post loglines and script posters with the pages. And sometimes I post short pitches (like two-word pitches and three-word pitches) on social media.

Amanda Toney thanks very much for sharing the webinar with me, I'm genuinely grateful.

Welcome to Stage 32 Kenneth Arinze ! Looking forward to learning more about your projects.

Oleg Mullayanov here's the longline:

October 1st | Sci-fi action-thriller

In 2040, as a national AI shutdown tears the United States apart, a lone operative named Nathan must recover a lost kill-code from a drifting orbital vault before a hidden architect completes the infestation of the world’s continental AIs, turning truth itself into a controlled weapon.

I might still make changes to the logline if the need arises.

Darrell Pennington Thank you very much for the warm welcome. I look forward to sharing ideas, building meaningful collaborations, and inspiring one another.

You're welcome, Kenneth Arinze. I've seen those films. I haven't watched Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Black Bag, The Bad Land, and Warfare yet.

I'm rooting for you to reach that goal! I started studying movies after I became a screenwriter in 12th grade. I also wrote short stories in elementary school and middle school. Nowadays, I watch movies for fun and/or to study them.

Hi, Mijat Mijatovic! Congratulations on all your success and finishing the pitch deck for your animated film!

I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know that I moved your post from the Animation Lounge to the Introduce Yourself Lounge since you're introducing yourself, promoting your projects, and the ways to connect with other members in the discipline Lounges (Animation Lounge, Producing Lounge, Screenwriting Lounge, etc.) are making helpful/educational posts and commenting on other people’s posts. Let me know if you have any questions.

Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Producers, executives, directors, writers, animators, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...

This month’s Community Open House is the 25th. It's free to attend. It'll also help you make connections. You can ask questions live. www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-february-2026-community-ope...

Hey Mijat Mijatovic - I just checked out your character reel and LOVED it! Great work! Congratulations on all of your well-deserved awards and welcome to Stage 32!

Mijat Mijatovic congratulations on your successes, Mijat and welcome to the IYW and the Stage 32 community!

Welcome Monday! What is some animation that inspired you to get into this industry?

Hi! For sure it was Disney and later, Pixar production.

Hi @Ashley. I hope you're doing well! Always good to see you. Happy Introduce yourself weekend!

Elle, “honey and bees” is a great metaphor — psychological themes in genre clothing always leave a mark. Southern flavor with that kind of intensity sounds like a strong lane. Looking forward to seeing more of your work in the Lounge.

I immediately thought of this webinar for you. We had the screenwriter of M. Night Shymalan’s last film teach about writing psychological thrillers…think you’ll find this really helpful! https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-write-a-killer-psychological-thriller-filled-with-twists-turns-suspense

@Amanda Toney yeeees! Thank you! Adding it to the list and it just might get bumped up near the top. That's my main lane.

@Charmane it's kind of a personal anthem. The song has a political meaning behind it, but that line hits me with, "I'll do it even if it hurts" and that hits very true for me.

Hi, Sergio Conde. Great to meet you. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. Producers, executives, directors, writers, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...

This month’s Community Open House is the 25th. You can ask questions live. www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-february-2026-community-ope...

Stage 32 has a Screenwriting Lounge where you can share tips and resources, get advice, ask questions, find resources, talk with other screenwriters, and get feedback (www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting).

Congratulations on your scripts winning numerous awards and being very well received! Reach out to the Success Team at success@stage32.com. Geoff and his team can help you connect with producers, reps, and more.

And you could post your scripts on your profile. Producers search profiles for projects. That and networking are how I sold four short scripts to a producer. Click the gear symbol in the top right-hand corner and select “Edit profile” in the drop-down menu. Scroll down to “Loglines” and click “Add/edit loglines” to the right of “Loglines.” You can also post your scripts on your profile this way: www.stage32.com/loglines (near the top where it says “Add a Logline”)

Thank you so much, Maurice!!! Your advice is very helpful. It's great to find people who are willing to help in this way. It's a pleasure to meet you!!!

You're welcome, Sergio Conde. Hope you sell your scripts and win Oscars! And I'm a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. If you ever have any questions about Stage 32, let me or another Lounge Moderator know. We have badges on our pictures.

Sergio, great to have you here! I think you’ll find this webinar really helpful with where you’re at in your journey: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-develop-and-pitch-a-film-or-tv-screenplay-that-production-companies-want

Hi Scott, welcome to Stage 32. I’m Ashley, Head of Community here, and we’re so glad you’re here.

Thank you for jumping in and introducing yourself. That first post is always the hardest part, and you’ve officially done it. This community really thrives when people show up, share, and start conversations, so you’re already off to a great start.

As you get settled in, I’d encourage you to explore a few Lounges that match your interests and goals, jump into conversations, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The more you engage, the more value you’ll get back. You can find the lounges here: https://www.stage32.com/lounge

What are your current creative goals for 2026?

Welcome Scott Quinn - I have no doubt you will find your time here well spent and informative and also provides comic relief every now and then.

Welcome, Scott! Glad you’re here — looking forward to seeing what you’re working on.

Welcome! What is your goal? Would love to hear more about your writing. You can email me at success@stage32.com and I'll point you in the right direction.

Welcome home Scott :)

Thanks so much! Phil Leasure

I really appreciate your kind words.

Yes, absolutely I’m also looking forward to staying connected. I’d genuinely love to collaborate in the future, so if you have any upcoming projects or if there’s anything I can support with, please do let me know.

Wishing you the best with your work as well, and excited to see what you create next!

Instagram: mej_e_e_t

Hi, Phil Leasure! Great to meet you. Welcome to the community. Congratulations to you and the actor on finishing the second draft of After The Dragon! It sounds interesting.

Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...

This month’s Community Open House is the 25th. It'll also help you navigate the platform and make connections. You can ask questions live. www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-february-2026-community-ope...

Stage 32 has a Screenwriting Lounge where you can share tips and resources, get advice, ask questions, find resources, talk with other screenwriters, and get feedback (www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting).

I'm looking for informative comedy. Please be so kind and send me something I might be able to perform

Welcome Phil Leasure The second project seems very appealing to me, I would love to hear more about that :)

Great to have you here Phil! What part of Germany are you from? Glad you are taking matters into your own hands and writing your own material. Your second script in the parish sounds cool.We actually have a really great webinar that can help you decide between feature or TV series that you’ll find helpful! https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-determine-if-your-story-should-be-a-feature-film-or-tv-series

Hey, P. Oken. It's great to see you at Introduce Yourself Weekend. Congratulations on your progress with Rise of Vigil and the growth!

Hey P.J, this sounds amazing!

I love your focus on growth and deepening your storytelling. Rise of Vigil sounds intense and exciting - can’t wait to see it come to life. So glad you’re here and sharing your journey with the community. Keep up the good work!

Hey @P. Oken, great to hear from you! Where have you found the most growth recently via sharpening your instincts?

I thought of this webinar when I read your post. This is a killer webinar that helps you develop character and a really cool method to do so, think you’ll find it helpful PJ! https://www.stage32.com/education/products/the-shortcut-to-creating-unique-and-authentic-characters-you-didnt-know-you-needed-the-enneagram